Frequently Asked Questions
Farmers FAQ
Q: How will this hunting access website help me with my deer damage problem?
Hunting is the most efficient tool that can be used to control deer populations in a given area. Utilizing hunters that are experienced and passionate about the sport only add to the success of taking more deer. This web site will provide you with the opportunity to choose the hunters that you feel will harvest the most deer and at time of the season when you want them to hunt.
Q: What if a hunter gets hurt? Am I liable?
Under Ohio Revised Codes 1533.18 and 1533.181, also known as the Recreational Users Law, it states that "No owner, lessee, or occupant of premises assumes responsibility for or incurs liability for any injury to person or property caused by any act of a recreational user."
Q: I have had the same group of hunters hunt my land for years. Why would I want hunters I'm not familiar with hunting my property?
The purpose of the program is to expand a farmer's option to find additional hunters to harvest deer during times when hunters he/she is familiar with cannot. For example, the early December gun season is the only time that groups of hunters get together to hunt a particular property. Except for the muzzleloader season in early January, the only hunting available is for archers. Finding archery hunters to harvest antlerless deer after the gun seasons is a great way to thin the population. The web site will allow farmers to seek out experienced bow hunters when others are not interested in hunting in January.
Q: I don't have access to e-mail. How do I get in contact with a hunter that has the credentials that I'm looking for?
If you do not have access to the internet in your home, there are other options that you may want to use. Public libraries usually have access to the internet or you may have to use a friend or family member. You can then access a list of hunters that fit your profile and contact them either by phone or e-mail.
Q: I don't want to get calls at home from hunters that I don't know. Will this website allow me to keep anonymous?
The web site will be set up to allow you to see the hunter profile, but the hunter will not be able to find you. It is up to the farmer to make the initial contact, either by phone or e-mail. It will then be his/her decision to allow hunting access to the property.
Hunters FAQ
Q: Is there somewhere I can donate my venison to feed the hungry?
Yes, there are several organizations in Ohio fighting hunger by helping hunters donate a portion or all of their venison to the folks who need it. Please visit Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (www.fhfh.org), Sportsmen Against Hunger (www.safariclubfoundation.org), or Whitetails Unlimited (www.whitetailsunlimited.com) for more information.
Q: Why do I have to complete a hunter profile?
This will provide you the opportunity to sell yourself to the farmer. Hunting experience may be a factor, but other aspects such as method of harvest you prefer or time of year you are willing to hunt, are also important. Because a farmer is entrusting you with access to his property, he may request a background check on you as well.
Q: What if I've been convicted of a wildlife violation?
Does that automatically exclude me from the program? No. But it depends on the severity of the violation. Being convicted of poaching deer, hunting without permission, taking game over the legal limit, or other major offenses would in most cases prevent you from taking part in this program.
Q: What counties are open for this access program?
Tuscarawas, Carroll, Jefferson, and Harrison counties.
Q: Why are there only four counties in the program and how were they chosen?
Because of the cost of maintaining a web based program, it was decided that a pilot project would be utilized the first two years. This would allow both the Division of Wildlife (DOW) and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF) to gauge the participation and success of the program. During preliminary discussions, the OFBF sent out a questionnaire to it membership in different regions of the state to obtain comments regarding the farmer's willingness to allow hunting access, estimated amount of crop damage sustained, and if they would participate in a web based access program if one were available. Survey results from this four county region showed more farmers in favor of this type of program than in other parts of the state. The high deer population/harvest and increasing crop damage in these counties were also factored in.
Q: What if I get chosen to hunt and would want to bring a family member or friend with me?
That will be the decision of the farmer. Remember that he will choose you based on your profile and not some one else. It would be wise to develop a relationship with the farmer first before asking and never surprise him by showing up to hunt with a group of other hunters. That could hurt your chances of being chosen to hunt again and impact the farmer's decision to use the access program again.
Q: What are my odds of being called by a farmer to hunt his land?
Since the pilot program is limited to only four counties this year, your odds of being chosen are slim. No one is guaranteed the opportunity to hunt. Much depends on how you fill out your profile and how the farmer will review each profile depending on his needs to reduce the population of deer on his farm.
Q: Am I required to hunt does only?
That is the decision of the farmer. The purpose of this program is to provide hunting access to private land and address the high number of deer on his/her property causing crop damage. The best way to deal with this is to harvest as many does as possible. The hunter is given an opportunity to hunt private land and the farmer will hopefully decrease the deer population in the area.
Q: Is this program open to nonresident hunters?
Yes.
Q: Are there any special fees, permits, or licenses needed to participate in this program?
No. Provided that you are a properly licensed deer hunter in the state of Ohio, you are eligible to enroll in the program.
Why do I need to be eighteen to submit a hunter profile?
This is to restrict access of personal information of minors on the website.
What can I do if I'm a hunter under the age of eighteen and would like to submit a hunter profile?
The only course of action that you would have is to ask a parent or guardian to submit a profile then ask the farmer/landowner if you would be allowed to hunt if they are called.